Administration marks stimulus act signing

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Administration officials are to fan across the United States this week to survey the $787 billion stimulus act's progress to date and push for more jobs.

To mark the anniversary, President Barack Obama will host an event Wednesday at the White House that will involve Americans who have benefited from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the White House said Tuesday in a release.

At the events in 35 communities across the United States, officials will discuss how the additional job creation proposals and the Obama administration's work to drive more economic growth, the White House said.

Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law Feb. 17, 2009. The administration cites public and private forecasters who estimate the program is responsible for about 2 million jobs, while Republicans and others characterize it as a boondoggle that added to the deficit and hasn't created many jobs.